The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC

If you haven't played the first game, it is strongly recommended that you do so as it is a direct sequel to The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky taking place right after the first game. Estelle and Company are back to save Liberl from the encroaching threat of a hidden enemy that was the true cause of the events behind the first game. Story (10/10) The story continues from the first game and builds upon the side characters and relationships already established while introducing new characters as well. The build up to meeting members of the Society of Ouroboros and learning more of the history of Liberl make the story just as thrilling as the first game. It is also twice as long as the first game and delivers the same amount of quality, it will take most at least 80 hours to complete. It took me 140 hours to clear my first playthrough. All the main characters, party characters, and side characters are given vibrant personalities. Graphics (8/10) The game takes place in a 3rd person perspective. Given how this game was originally released in 2006, it is expected that the graphics would not age as well overtime. The graphics are still well done and the character art is a cute style to look at. Sound (10/10) The same soundtrack from the first game is here and expanded on to give great new themes. Given how the Composers are the same minds behind Ys and all of Nihon Falcom's games, the sound track delievers very strongly. Gameplay (9/10) The battle system is turn based and pretty fun. You get Orbments as your magic system and it is highly customizable. Allowing you to give your party members the spells you want them to have. There is a Monster Guide for detailed info on your foes. There are different difficulty settings so it can be as hard as you want it to be. I found it to be very difficult on Hard Mode. Overall (10/10) If you enjoy long Turn based RPGs that have a heavy focus on story and fun gameplay, you'll love this game and series as a whole.

SC is far away better than the first game in every sense. Now with the world and the characters already introduced we just have a long surfing with a great story with a lot of feelings. The only problem is maybe could feel too long and you could feel anxious on the final chapter

There are other reviews that discuss this games gameplay better. Or the story better. Or anything better really. So here is my own, short hot take This made me laugh, cry, and I literally couldn't put it down till I beat it. My only regret is that I can never play it for the first time again. I will still love subsequent playthroughs If you ever loved any RPG or game with amazing story, this is the game for you, period.

I very much like how this game follows closely after the first. The story doesn't lose any impact between the first and the second. The combat, story, and world building are still A+ and I cannot reccomend the entire Trails in the Sky trilogy enough.

It's a direct follow-up to and the finale of the events started in the previous game so you'll definitely want to play that first. Like its predecessor it's a mostly light-hearted affair that can get pretty dark occasionally, and offers plenty of wholesome charm even where it does lack novelty. The setting also has an interesting spin on its technology and magic. The main cast are all likeable and enjoyable to watch and there's plenty of fun to be had interacting with the various side characters as they go about their lives and a few have their own little sub-plots. The stakes are higher in this game with a more imposing adversary, but that does mean the story gets a little weird whenever the cabal of villains needs to be threatening and the heroes need to overcome them eventually. Some more contrivances abound but it's ultimately an engaging experience with novel elements at times. In terms of combat, the turn-based grid battles make a return from its predecessor unchanged. Some new spells were added, a few new characters are usable in battle at certain points and each character has a new ultimate attack. On each turn you can choose between a regular attack, using magic, or using a skill. Regular attacks are free (if you can reach the enemy and the character isn't sealed) but also less effective. Magic is typically highly effective against all but the few things strongly resisting it, but needs more than one turn to cast and can be interrupted (and needs mana naturally). Skills are cast from a meter that fills when you take or do damage, but said meter is also tied to a character's ultimate attack, so you'll have to decide whether to save up for a big hit or if regular skills will suit you better. Add in a nice mix of 2D and 3D art and a lot of awesome music and you've got a highly enjoyable JRPG, strongly recommended to fans of the genre and a must play for anyone who liked the previous game.